Hello,
Can someone recommend a half decent pair of binos, I have around 800 to spend.
Your recommendations appreciated
Rusty.
This may seem a bit of a daft question, but what are you planning to use them for? Woodland stalking or open hill? Will they be just for stalking or for other interests such as birdwatching?
If woodland stalking I would suggest 7 or 8 power are the ones to focus on (pun intended) whereas if you're mostly going to be spending time on the Hill then consider 10 power.
With that budget you're certainly in the realm of picking up either a top flight secondhand pair or new from one of the up and coming makers.
Take a look at Macleod's list of s/h optics:
http://www.rmacleod.co.uk/CUSTOMER S_H STOCK LIST.pdf
They have some Leica 7x42's or 8x56's that would still leave you plenty of change, up to Swarovski SLCs 8x42 HD's at £95 over your budget.
Ace Optics would be another to have a look at for s/h, as of course are the classifieds here. I've seen Leicas, Swaros and Zeiss recently on sale within your budget here on SD.
Whilst I've not used them, there are many recommendations for Minox. Their HG's seem very competitively priced and within your budget, see for example:
Minox Binoculars | Clifton Cameras I see Clifton also have some s/h HG's (though 10x rather than 8x) as well as some Leica Ultravid 8x42's within your budget.
What I would suggest is going to a dealer or a Game Fair and trying a few different pairs first. Bird reserves are another good place, though they don't always offer such a wide choice. Binos will be the most used item in your stalking kit, so finding a make/model where the ergonomics suit you as an individual is important. When you ask for recommendations then, as with rifles and scopes, you will find that most people recommend the binos they currently have. I don't have any problem with that, but I do find binoculars are one area where time spent on research is time well spent. Ergonomics are very important and shouldn't be overlooked.
Being in the fortunate position of having several different makes of binos in my possession it is remarkable how some feel more comfortable than others. I've had two pairs of s/h Optolyths that I just can't get on with, whereas the Zeiss Jena Notarems are a breeze. Steiner might make nice glass, but I just couldn't live with them.
Personally I would recommend Swaro's. Had my 8.5x42 EL's for many years and still can't really fault them, other than I've lost lots of objective covers as they fall off (to be fair, Swaro have sent me free replacements). The Swaros just feel "right" in my hands. I also have a pair of Leica 8x40's to compare them with and, to my earlier point, there is little if anything to choose between them other than ergonomics and a slight colour cast. I find the Leica's - to my eyes - give a true colour image whereas the coatings on the Swaro's enhance the greens slightly more and help the image "pop out".
With Swaro you can rely on superb optics, great service (if needed - mine never have other than the replacement covers) and excellent resale value (if you decide to sell - I never have).